An Orthodox Festival Book in the Habsburg Empire by Jelena Todorovic

Author:Jelena Todorovic [Todorovic, Jelena]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781351958578
Barnesnoble:
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Published: 2016-12-05T00:00:00+00:00

Finally, there is still an important element that needs to be discussed: the issue of the spectators (the audience). This is an indispensable element for the functioning and existence of spectacles, particularly those connected with the assertion and establishment of power.

The audience in Mojsej Putnik’s investiture does not just serve to offer respects to the enthroned prelate, but more significantly, acts as the main agent of confirmation. Before the narrative part, there are no representations of the audience in Orfelin’s manuscript. At the point where the power of the new bishop is officially confirmed, the presence of the audience (Fig. 13) becomes indispensable, since only its presence could give full credibility to the rite performed. The audience in Orfelin’s manuscript stands for a microcosm of the society of his diocese, where all social classes are represented. It is to this elected audience, as depicted in our manuscript and according to the Book of Investiture, that the bishop (Mojsej) will vow to be the a vigilant and ever-watchful guardian of faith. From the Book of Investiture (1750s):

With my teaching of faith I will guard the holy sacraments and the canons of the holy apostles and seven ecumenical councils. I will guard the great laws of faith and the canons of the holy Eastern church that were created over centuries, I will reinforce them and keep them unchanged, with all my powers and until the end of my life; and all they stand for I will stand for, and all they refute I will refute. I will preserve and preach the religious peace, and try to keep it among the faithful, and I will be against everything that is against the Eastern Orthodox faith …56

And in Orfelin’s verses:

Raise your eyes to the people in your flock

And give them blessing and peace.

[…]

Be Christ’s representative, the pillar of faith,

The generous and firm rock of piety …

[…]

Your shepherd’s hand should never leave us,

But lead us to the benefit of knowledge.

May East and South resound with your greatness …57

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